Search

Objective: There is significant evidence for a central role of inflammation in the development of Alzheimer disease (AD). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk of developing AD in healthy aging populations. As NSAIDs inhibit the enzymatic activity of the inflammatory cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2, these findings suggest that downstream prostaglandin signaling pathways function in the preclinical development of AD. Here, we investigate the function of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) signaling through its EP3 receptor in the neuroinflammatory response to Aβ peptide.Methods: The function of PGE(2) signaling through its EP3 receptor was examined in vivo in a model of subacute neuroinflammation induced by administration of Aβ(42) peptides. Our findings were then confirmed in young adult APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice.Results: Deletion of the PGE(2) EP3 receptor in a model of Aβ(42) peptide-induced neuroinflammation reduced proinflammatory gene expression, cytokine production, and oxidative stress. In the APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 model of familial AD, deletion of the EP3 receptor blocked induction of proinflammatory gene and protein expression and lipid peroxidation. In addition, levels of Aβ peptides were significantly decreased, as were β-secretase and β C-terminal fragment levels, suggesting that generation of Aβ peptides may be increased as a result of proinflammatory EP3 signaling. Finally, deletion of EP3 receptor significantly reversed the decline in presynaptic proteins seen in APPSwe-PS1ΔE9 mice.Interpretation: Our findings identify the PGE(2) EP3 receptor as a novel proinflammatory, proamyloidogenic, and synaptotoxic signaling pathway, and suggest a role for COX-PGE(2) -EP3 signaling in the development of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Inflammation has emerged as an important factor in disease progression in human and transgenic models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recent studies demonstrate that the prostaglandin E(2) EP2 receptor is a major regulator of inflammatory oxidative injury in innate immunity. We tested whether EP2 signaling participated in disease pathogenesis in the G93A superoxide dismutase (SOD) model of familial ALS.Methods: We examined the phenotype of G93A SOD mice lacking the EP2 receptor and performed immunocytochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and Western analyses to determine the mechanism of EP2 toxicity in this model.Results: EP2 receptor is significantly induced in G93A SOD mice in astrocytes and microglia in parallel with increases in expression of proinflammatory enzymes and lipid peroxidation. In human ALS, EP2 receptor immunoreactivity was upregulated in astrocytes in ventral spinal cord. In aging G93A SOD mice, genetic deletion of the prostaglandin E(2)EP2 receptor improved motor strength and extended survival. Deletion of the EP2 receptor in G93A SOD mice resulted in significant reductions in levels of proinflammatory effectors, including cyclooxygenase-1, cyclooxygenase-2, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and components of the NADPH oxidase complex. In alternate models of inflammation, including the lipopolysaccharide model of innate immunity and the APPSwe-PS1DeltaE9 model of amyloidosis, deletion of EP2 also reduced expression of proinflammatory genes.Interpretation: These data suggest that prostaglandin E(2) signaling via the EP2 receptor functions in the mutant SOD model and more broadly in inflammatory neurodegeneration to regulate expression of a cassette of proinflammatory genes. Inhibition of EP2 signaling may represent a novel strategy to downregulate the inflammatory response in neurodegenerative disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is thought to promote vascular intimal hyperplasia (IH). It has been reported that the PGE2 receptor EP4 is upregulated in injured vessels, and that EP4 signaling in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) promotes IH. In contrast, EP4 in endothelial cells has been demonstrated to restrain IH. We aimed to investigate spatiotemporal expression of EP4 and whether modulating EP4 signaling could be a viable therapeutic strategy., Methods and Results: We generated EP4 reporter mice (Ptger4-IRES-nlsLacZ) and found temporary but prominent EP4 expression in VSMCs of the proliferative neointima 2 weeks after femoral artery wire injury. Injury-induced IH was diminished in VSMC-targeted EP4 heterozygous deficient mice (Ptger4fl/+; SM22-Cre) 2 and 4 weeks after vascular injury compared to that in SM22-Cre, whereas injury-induced IH was exacerbated in VSMC-targeted EP4-overexpressing mice (Ptger4-Tg) compared to controls (non-Tg). We then investigated the downstream signaling of EP4 in VSMCs. Stimulation of EP4 increased mRNA and protein levels of the glycoprotein fibulin-1 in Ptger4-Tg VSMCs. Fibulin-1C recombinant proteins increased VSMC proliferation and migration through transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad3, and EP4-mediated proliferation and migration were attenuated in Fbln1fl/fl; SM22-Cre VSMCs and in CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Fbln1 knockdown in Ptger4-Tg VSMCs. We generated multiple deletion mutants of fibulin-1C and found that EGF-like modules 6-8 appear to be involved in fibulin-1-mediated proliferation. Among binding partners of fibulin-1, extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM1) was also upregulated by EP4 stimulation, and fibulin-1C and ECM1 proteins additively enhanced VSMC proliferation and migration. Injury-induced IH was attenuated in VSMC-targeted fibulin-1 deletion mice (Fbln1fl/fl; SM22-Cre) compared to Fbln1fl/fl. Furthermore, systemic EP4 antagonist administration reduced injury-induced IH in wild-type mice., Conclusions: EP4 was upregulated in VSMCs of proliferative IH, and EP4 signaling promoted IH, at least in part through fibulin-1. An EP4 antagonist might be considered as a therapeutic strategy for IH., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a critical role in asthma pathogenesis. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is associated with reduced signaling via EP2, a receptor for prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ). However, the respective roles for the PGE 2 receptors EP2 and EP4 (both share same downstream signaling) in the regulation of lung ILC2 responses has yet been deciphered., Methods: The roles of PGE 2 receptors EP2 and EP4 on ILC2-mediated lung inflammation were investigated using genetically modified mouse lines and pharmacological approaches in IL-33-induced lung allergy model. The effects of PGE 2 receptors and downstream signals on ILC2 metabolic activation and effector function were examined using in vitro cell cultures., Results: Deficiency of EP2 rather than EP4 augments IL-33-induced mouse lung ILC2 responses and eosinophilic inflammation in vivo. In contrast, exogenous agonism of EP4 and EP2 or inhibition of phosphodiesterase markedly restricts IL-33-induced lung ILC2 responses. Mechanistically, PGE 2 directly suppresses IL-33-dependent ILC2 activation through the EP2/EP4-cAMP pathway, which downregulates STAT5 and MYC pathway gene expression and ILC2 energy metabolism. Blocking glycolysis diminishes IL-33-dependent ILC2 responses in mice where endogenous PG synthesis or EP2 signaling is blocked but not in mice with intact PGE 2 -EP2 signaling., Conclusion: We have defined a mechanism for optimal suppression of mouse lung ILC2 responses by endogenous PGE 2 -EP2 signaling which underpins the clinical findings of defective EP2 signaling in patients with NERD. Our findings also indicate that exogenously targeting the PGE 2 -EP4-cAMP and energy metabolic pathways may provide novel opportunities for treating the ILC2-initiated lung inflammation in asthma and NERD., (© 2022 The Authors. Allergy published by European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia and inflammation. Prostaglandin E 2 , which signals through four G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-4), is a mediator of inflammation and is upregulated in diabetes. We have shown previously that EP3 receptor blockade promotes β-cell proliferation and survival in isolated mouse and human islets ex vivo. Here, we analyzed whether systemic EP3 blockade could enhance β-cell mass and identity in the setting of type 2 diabetes using mice with a spontaneous mutation in the leptin receptor (Lepr db )., Methods: Four- or six-week-old, db/+, and db/db male mice were treated with an EP3 antagonist daily for two weeks. Pancreata were analyzed for α-cell and β-cell proliferation and β-cell mass. Islets were isolated for transcriptomic analysis. Selected gene expression changes were validated by immunolabeling of the pancreatic tissue sections., Results: EP3 blockade increased β-cell mass in db/db mice through enhanced β-cell proliferation. Importantly, there were no effects on α-cell proliferation. EP3 blockade reversed the changes in islet gene expression associated with the db/db phenotype and restored the islet architecture. Expression of the GLP-1 receptor was slightly increased by EP3 antagonist treatment in db/db mice. In addition, the transcription factor nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and downstream targets were increased in islets from db/db mice in response to treatment with an EP3 antagonist. The markers of oxidative stress were decreased., Conclusions: The current study suggests that EP3 blockade promotes β-cell mass expansion in db/db mice. The beneficial effects of EP3 blockade may be mediated through Nrf2, which has recently emerged as a key mediator in the protection against cellular oxidative damage., (Published by Elsevier GmbH.)

Chronic elevations in fatty acid metabolites termed prostaglandins can be found in circulation and in pancreatic islets from mice or humans with diabetes and have been suggested as contributing to the β-cell dysfunction of the disease. Two-series prostaglandins bind to a family of G-protein-coupled receptors, each with different biochemical and pharmacological properties. Prostaglandin E receptor (EP) subfamily agonists and antagonists have been shown to influence β-cell insulin secretion, replication, and/or survival. Here, we define EP3 as the sole prostanoid receptor family member expressed in a rat β-cell-derived line that regulates glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Several other agonists classically understood as selective for other prostanoid receptor family members also reduce glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, but these effects are only observed at relatively high concentrations, and, using a well-characterized EP3-specific antagonist, are mediated solely by cross-reactivity with rat EP3. Our findings confirm the critical role of EP3 in regulating β-cell function, but are also of general interest, as many agonists supposedly selective for other prostanoid receptor family members are also full and efficacious agonists of EP3. Therefore, care must be taken when interpreting experimental results from cells or cell lines that also express EP3., (© 2021 The Authors. Pharmacology Research & Perspectives published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd, British Pharmacological Society and American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.)

The gut microbiota fundamentally regulates intestinal homeostasis and disease partially through mechanisms that involve modulation of regulatory T cells (T regs ), yet how the microbiota-T reg cross-talk is physiologically controlled is incompletely defined. Here, we report that prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), a well-known mediator of inflammation, inhibits mucosal T regs in a manner depending on the gut microbiota. PGE 2 through its receptor EP4 diminishes T reg -favorable commensal microbiota. Transfer of the gut microbiota that was modified by PGE 2 -EP4 signaling modulates mucosal T reg responses and exacerbates intestinal inflammation. Mechanistically, PGE 2 -modified microbiota regulates intestinal mononuclear phagocytes and type I interferon signaling. Depletion of mononuclear phagocytes or deficiency of type I interferon receptor diminishes PGE 2 -dependent T reg inhibition. Together, our findings provide emergent evidence that PGE 2 -mediated disruption of microbiota-T reg communication fosters intestinal inflammation., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC BY).)

Objective: Excessive prostaglandin E 2 production is a hallmark of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Enhanced expression of prostaglandin E 2 receptor EP4 (prostaglandin E receptor 4) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has been demonstrated in human AAAs. Although moderate expression of EP4 contributes to vascular homeostasis, the roles of excessive EP4 in vascular pathology remain uncertain. We aimed to investigate whether EP4 overexpression in VSMCs exacerbates AAAs. Approach and Results: We constructed mice with EP4 overexpressed selectively in VSMCs under an SM22α promoter (EP4-Tg). Most EP4-Tg mice died within 2 weeks of Ang II (angiotensin II) infusion due to AAA, while nontransgenic mice given Ang II displayed no overt phenotype. EP4-Tg developed much larger AAAs than nontransgenic mice after periaortic CaCl 2 application. In contrast, EP4 fl/+ ;SM22-Cre;ApoE -/ - and EP4 fl/+ ;SM22-Cre mice, which are EP4 heterozygous knockout in VSMCs, rarely exhibited AAA after Ang II or CaCl 2 treatment, respectively. In Ang II-infused EP4-Tg aorta, Ly6C hi inflammatory monocyte/macrophage infiltration and MMP-9 (matrix metalloprotease-9) activation were enhanced. An unbiased analysis revealed that EP4 stimulation positively regulated the genes binding cytokine receptors in VSMCs, in which IL (interleukin)-6 was the most strongly upregulated. In VSMCs of EP4-Tg and human AAAs, EP4 stimulation caused marked IL-6 production via TAK1 (transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1), NF-κB (nuclear factor-kappa B), JNK (c-Jun N-terminal kinase), and p38. Inhibition of IL-6 prevented Ang II-induced AAA formation in EP4-Tg. In addition, EP4 stimulation decreased elastin/collagen cross-linking protein LOX (lysyl oxidase) in both human and mouse VSMCs., Conclusions: Dysregulated EP4 overexpression in VSMCs promotes inflammatory monocyte/macrophage infiltration and attenuates elastin/collagen fiber formation, leading to AAA exacerbation.

Rationale: Vascular remodeling, including smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and proliferation, is the key pathological feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Prostaglandin I 2 analogs (beraprost, iloprost, and treprostinil) are effective in the treatment of PAH. Of note, the clinically favorable effects of treprostinil in severe PAH may be attributable to concomitant activation of DP1 (D prostanoid receptor subtype 1). Objectives: To study the role of DP1 in the progression of PAH and its underlying mechanism. Methods: DP1 levels were examined in pulmonary arteries of patients and animals with PAH. Multiple genetic and pharmacologic approaches were used to investigate DP1-mediated signaling in PAH. Measurements and Main Results: DP1 expression was downregulated in hypoxia-treated pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells and in pulmonary arteries from rodent PAH models and patients with idiopathic PAH. DP1 deletion exacerbated pulmonary artery remodeling in hypoxia-induced PAH, whereas pharmacological activation or forced expression of the DP1 receptor had the opposite effect in different rodent models. DP1 deficiency promoted pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell hypertrophy and proliferation in response to hypoxia via induction of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1) activity. Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, alleviated the hypoxia-induced exacerbation of PAH in DP1-knockout mice. DP1 activation facilitated raptor dissociation from mTORC1 and suppressed mTORC1 activity through PKA (protein kinase A)-dependent phosphorylation of raptor at Ser791. Moreover, treprostinil treatment blocked the progression of hypoxia-induced PAH in mice in part by targeting the DP1 receptor. Conclusions: DP1 activation attenuates hypoxia-induced pulmonary artery remodeling and PAH through PKA-mediated dissociation of raptor from mTORC1. These results suggest that the DP1 receptor may serve as a therapeutic target for the management of PAH.

The initiation of an intestinal tumour is a probabilistic process that depends on the competition between mutant and normal epithelial stem cells in crypts 1 . Intestinal stem cells are closely associated with a diverse but poorly characterized network of mesenchymal cell types 2,3 . However, whether the physiological mesenchymal microenvironment of mutant stem cells affects tumour initiation remains unknown. Here we provide in vivo evidence that the mesenchymal niche controls tumour initiation in trans. By characterizing the heterogeneity of the intestinal mesenchyme using single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis, we identified a population of rare pericryptal Ptgs2-expressing fibroblasts that constitutively process arachidonic acid into highly labile prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ). Specific ablation of Ptgs2 in fibroblasts was sufficient to prevent tumour initiation in two different models of sporadic, autochthonous tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, single-cell RNA-sequencing analyses of a mesenchymal niche model showed that fibroblast-derived PGE 2 drives the expansion οf a population of Sca-1 + reserve-like stem cells. These express a strong regenerative/tumorigenic program, driven by the Hippo pathway effector Yap. In vivo, Yap is indispensable for Sca-1 + cell expansion and early tumour initiation and displays a nuclear localization in both mouse and human adenomas. Using organoid experiments, we identified a molecular mechanism whereby PGE 2 promotes Yap dephosphorylation, nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity by signalling through the receptor Ptger4. Epithelial-specific ablation of Ptger4 misdirected the regenerative reprogramming of stem cells and prevented Sca-1 + cell expansion and sporadic tumour initiation in mutant mice, thereby demonstrating the robust paracrine control of tumour-initiating stem cells by PGE 2 -Ptger4. Analyses of patient-derived organoids established that PGE 2 -PTGER4 also regulates stem-cell function in humans. Our study demonstrates that initiation of colorectal cancer is orchestrated by the mesenchymal niche and reveals a mechanism by which rare pericryptal Ptgs2-expressing fibroblasts exert paracrine control over tumour-initiating stem cells via the druggable PGE 2 -Ptger4-Yap signalling axis.

Background: Blood pressure often rises with aging, but exact mechanisms are still not completely understood. With aging, the level of proinflammatory cytokines increases in T lymphocytes. Prostaglandin D 2 , a proresolution mediator, suppresses Type 1 T helper (Th1) cytokines through D-prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1). In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of the prostaglandin D 2 /DP1 axis in T cells on age-related hypertension., Methods: To clarify the physiological and pathophysiological roles of DP1 in T cells with aging, peripheral blood samples were collected from young and older male participants, and CD4 + T cells were sorted for gene expression, prostaglandin production, and Western blot assays. Mice blood pressure was quantified by invasive telemetric monitor., Results: The prostaglandin D 2 /DP1 axis was downregulated in CD4 + T cells from older humans and aged mice. DP1 deletion in CD4 + T cells augmented age-related hypertension in aged male mice by enhancing Th1 cytokine secretion, vascular remodeling, CD4 + T cells infiltration, and superoxide production in vasculature and kidneys. Conversely, forced expression of exogenous DP1 in T cells retarded age-associated hypertension in mice by reducing Th1 cytokine secretion. Tumor necrosis factor α neutralization or interferon γ deletion ameliorated the age-related hypertension in DP1 deletion in CD4 + T cells mice. Mechanistically, DP1 inhibited Th1 activity via the PKA (protein kinase A)/p-Sp1 (phosphorylated specificity protein 1)/neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 4-like (NEDD4L) pathway-mediated T-box-expressed-in-T-cells (T-bet) ubiquitination. T-bet deletion or forced NEDD4L expression in CD4 + T cells attenuated age-related hypertension in CD4 + T cell-specific DP1-deficient mice. DP1 receptor activation by BW245C prevented age-associated blood pressure elevation and reduced vascular/renal superoxide production in male mice., Conclusions: The prostaglandin D 2 /DP1 axis suppresses age-related Th1 activation and subsequent hypertensive response in male mice through increase of NEDD4L-mediated T-bet degradation by ubiquitination. Therefore, the T cell DP1 receptor may be an attractive therapeutic target for age-related hypertension.

We recently identified a pathway underlying immune activation in hypertension. Proteins oxidatively modified by reactive isoLG (isolevuglandin) accumulate in dendritic cells (DCs). PGE 2 (Prostaglandin E2) has been implicated in the inflammation associated with hypertension. We hypothesized that PGE 2 via its EP (E prostanoid) 3 receptor contributes to DC activation in hypertension. EP3 -/- mice and wild-type littermates were exposed to sequential hypertensive stimuli involving an initial 2-week exposure to the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N ω -nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride in drinking water, followed by a 2-week washout period, and a subsequent 4% high-salt diet for 3 weeks. In wild-type mice, this protocol increased systolic pressure from 123±2 to 148±8 mm Hg ( P <0.05). This was associated with marked renal inflammation and a striking accumulation of isoLG adducts in splenic DCs. However, the increases in blood pressure, renal T-cell infiltration, and DC isoLG formation were completely prevented in EP3 -/- mice. Similar protective effects were also observed in wild-type mice that received intracerebroventricular injection of a lentiviral vector encoding shRNA targeting the EP3 receptor. Further, in vitro experiments indicated that PGE 2 also acts directly on DCs via its EP1 receptors to stimulate intracellular isoLG formation. Together, these findings provide new insight into how EP receptors in both the central nervous system and peripherally on DCs promote inflammation in salt-induced hypertension.

Colonic epithelial cells comprise the mucosal barrier, and their dysfunction promotes microbial invasion from the gut lumen and induces the development of intestinal inflammation. The EP4 receptor is known to mediate the protective effect of prostaglandin (PG) E 2 in the gastrointestinal tract; however, the exact role of epithelial EP4 in intestinal pathophysiology remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the role of epithelial EP4 in maintaining colonic homeostasis by characterizing the intestinal epithelial cell-specific EP4 knockout (EP4 cKO) mice. Mice harboring the epithelial EP4 deletion showed significantly lower colonic crypt depth and lower numbers of secretory cell lineages, as well as impaired epithelial cells in the colon. Interestingly, EP4-deficient colon epithelia showed a higher number of apoptotic cells. Consistent with the defect in mucosal barrier function of colonic epithelia and secretory cell lineages, EP4 cKO colon stroma showed enhanced immune cell infiltration, which was accompanied by increased production of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, EP4-deficient colons were susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Our study is the first to demonstrate that epithelial EP4 loss resulted in potential "inflammatory" status under physiological conditions. These findings provided insights into the crucial role of epithelial PGE 2 /EP4 axis in maintaining intestinal homeostasis.

Background/aims: The prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) EP3 receptor has a multifaceted role in metabolism. Drugs targeting EP3 have been proposed as therapeutics for diabetes; however, studies utilizing global EP3 knockout mice suggest that EP3 blockade increases obesity and insulin resistance. The present studies attempt to determine the effect of acute EP3 antagonist treatment on the diabetic phenotype., Methods: DG-041 was confirmed to be a high affinity antagonist at the mouse EP3 receptor by competition radioligand binding and by blockade of EP3-mediated responses. DG-041 pharmacokinetic studies were performed to determine the most efficacious route of administration. Male C57BL/6 × BALB/c (CB6F1) mice were fed diets containing 10%, 45%, or 60% calories from fat to induce obesity. Changes to the metabolic phenotype in these mice were evaluated after one week treatment with DG-041., Results: Subcutaneous injections of DG-041 at 20 mg/kg blocked the sulprostone-evoked rise in mean arterial pressure confirming the efficacy of this administration regime. Seven day treatment with DG-041 had minimal effect on body composition or glycemic control. DG-041 administration caused a reduction in skeletal muscle triglyceride content while showing a trend toward increased hepatic triglycerides., Conclusion: Short term EP3 administration of DG-041 produced effective blockade of the EP3 receptor and decreased skeletal muscle triglyceride content but had no significant effects on the diabetic phenotype., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, increases heart failure risk. It is unknown whether microsomal (m) prostaglandin (PG) E synthase (S)-1, a target downstream of COX, regulates myocardial (M) ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, a key determinant of heart failure. Here we report that COX-1 and mPGES-1 mediate production of substantial amounts of PGE 2 and confer cardiac protection in MI/R. Deletion of mPges-1 impairs cardiac microvascular perfusion and increases inflammatory cell infiltration in mouse MI/R. Consistently, mPges-1 deletion depresses the arteriolar dilatory response to I/R in vivo and to acetylcholine ex vivo, and enhances leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction, which is mediated via PGE receptor-4 (EP4). Furthermore, endothelium-restricted Ep4 deletion impairs microcirculation, and exacerbates MI/R injury, irrespective of EP4 agonism. Treatment with misoprostol, a clinically available PGE analogue, improves microcirculation and reduces MI/R injury. Thus, mPGES-1, a key microcirculation protector, constrains MI/R injury and this beneficial effect is partially mediated via endothelial EP4.

Objective: Deletion of mPGES-1 (microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1)-an anti-inflammatory target alternative to COX (cyclooxygenase)-2-attenuates injury-induced neointima formation in mice. This is attributable to the augmented levels of PGI 2 (prostacyclin)-a known restraint of the vascular response to injury, acting via IP (I prostanoid receptor). To examine the role of mPGES-1-derived PGE 2 (prostaglandin E 2 ) in vascular remodeling without the IP., Approach and Results: Mice deficient in both IP and mPGES-1 (DKO [double knockout] and littermate controls [IP KO (knockout)]) were subjected to angioplasty wire injury. Compared with the deletion of IP alone, coincident deletion of IP and mPGES-1 increased neointima formation, without affecting media area. Early pathological changes include impaired reendothelialization and increased leukocyte invasion in neointima. Endothelial cells (ECs), but not vascular smooth muscle cells, isolated from DKOs exhibited impaired cell proliferation. Activation of EP (E prostanoid receptor) 4 (and EP2, to a lesser extent), but not of EP1 or EP3, promoted EC proliferation. EP4 antagonism inhibited proliferation of mPGES-1-competent ECs, but not of mPGES-1-deficient ECs, which showed suppressed PGE 2 production. EP4 activation inhibited leukocyte adhesion to ECs in vitro, promoted reendothelialization, and limited neointima formation post-injury in the mouse. Endothelium-restricted deletion of EP4 in mice suppressed reendothelialization, increased neointimal leukocytes, and exacerbated neointimal formation., Conclusions: Removal of the IP receptors unmasks a protective role of mPGES-1-derived PGE 2 in limiting injury-induced vascular hyperplasia. EP4, in the endothelial compartment, is essential to promote reendothelialization and restrain neointimal formation after injury. Activating EP4 bears therapeutic potential to prevent restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention., (© 2018 American Heart Association, Inc.)

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) are both forms of eczema and are common inflammatory skin diseases with a central role of T cell-derived IL-22 in their pathogenesis. Although prostaglandin (PG) E 2 is known to promote inflammation, little is known about its role in processes related to AD and ACD development, including IL-22 upregulation., Objectives: We sought to investigate whether PGE 2 has a role in IL-22 induction and development of ACD, which has increased prevalence in patients with AD., Methods: T-cell cultures and in vivo sensitization of mice with haptens were used to assess the role of PGE 2 in IL-22 production. The involvement of PGE 2 receptors and their downstream signals was also examined. The effects of PGE 2 were evaluated by using the oxazolone-induced ACD mouse model. The relationship of PGE 2 and IL-22 signaling pathways in skin inflammation were also investigated by using genomic profiling in human lesional AD skin., Results: PGE 2 induces IL-22 from T cells through its receptors, E prostanoid receptor (EP) 2 and EP4, and involves cyclic AMP signaling. Selective deletion of EP4 in T cells prevents hapten-induced IL-22 production in vivo, and limits atopic-like skin inflammation in the oxazolone-induced ACD model. Moreover, both PGE 2 and IL-22 pathway genes were coordinately upregulated in human AD lesional skin but were at less than significant detection levels after corticosteroid or UVB treatments., Conclusions: Our results define a crucial role for PGE 2 in promoting ACD by facilitating IL-22 production from T cells., (Copyright © 2017 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Prostaglandins (PGs) are signaling lipids derived from arachidonic acid (AA), which is metabolized by cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 or 2 and class-specific synthases to generate PGD 2 , PGE 2 , PGF 2α , PGI 2 (prostacyclin), and thromboxane A 2 . PGs signal through G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and are important modulators of an array of physiological functions, including systemic inflammation and insulin secretion from pancreatic islets. The role of PGs in β-cell function has been an active area of interest, beginning in the 1970s. Early studies demonstrated that PGE 2 inhibits glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), although more recent studies have questioned this inhibitory action of PGE 2 . The PGE 2 receptor EP3 and one of the G-proteins that couples to EP3, Gα Z , have been identified as negative regulators of β-cell proliferation and survival. Conversely, PGI 2 and its receptor, IP, play a positive role in the β-cell by enhancing GSIS and preserving β-cell mass in response to the β-cell toxin streptozotocin (STZ). In comparison to PGE 2 and PGI 2 , little is known about the function of the remaining PGs within islets. In this review, we discuss the roles of PGs, particularly PGE 2 and PGI 2 , PG receptors, and downstream signaling events that alter β-cell function and regulation of β-cell mass.

Niacin, as an antidyslipidemic drug, elicits a strong flushing response by release of prostaglandin (PG) D 2 However, whether niacin is beneficial for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unclear. Here, we observed niacin administration-enhanced PGD 2 production in colon tissues in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-challenged mice, and protected mice against DSS or 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in D prostanoid receptor 1 (DP1)-dependent manner. Specific ablation of DP1 receptor in vascular endothelial cells, colonic epithelium, and myeloid cells augmented DSS/TNBS-induced colitis in mice through increasing vascular permeability, promoting apoptosis of epithelial cells, and stimulating pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion of macrophages, respectively. Niacin treatment improved vascular permeability, reduced apoptotic epithelial cells, promoted epithelial cell update, and suppressed pro-inflammatory gene expression of macrophages. Moreover, treatment with niacin-containing retention enema effectively promoted UC clinical remission and mucosal healing in patients with moderately active disease. Therefore, niacin displayed multiple beneficial effects on DSS/TNBS-induced colitis in mice by activation of PGD 2 /DP1 axis. The potential efficacy of niacin in management of IBD warrants further investigation., (© 2017 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.)

Objective: Hyperglycemia and systemic inflammation, hallmarks of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), can induce the production of the inflammatory signaling molecule Prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) in islets. The effects of PGE 2 are mediated by its four receptors, E-Prostanoid Receptors 1-4 (EP1-4). EP3 and EP4 play opposing roles in many cell types due to signaling through different G proteins, G i and G S , respectively. We previously found that EP3 and EP4 expression are reciprocally regulated by activation of the FoxM1 transcription factor, which promotes β-cell proliferation and survival. Our goal was to determine if EP3 and EP4 regulate β-cell proliferation and survival and, if so, to elucidate the downstream signaling mechanisms., Methods: β-cell proliferation was assessed in mouse and human islets ex vivo treated with selective agonists and antagonists for EP3 (sulprostone and DG-041, respectively) and EP4 (CAY10598 and L-161,982, respectively). β-cell survival was measured in mouse and human islets treated with the EP3- and EP4-selective ligands in conjunction with a cytokine cocktail to induce cell death. Changes in gene expression and protein phosphorylation were analyzed in response to modulation of EP3 and EP4 activity in mouse islets., Results: Blockade of EP3 enhanced β-cell proliferation in young, but not old, mouse islets in part through phospholipase C (PLC)-γ1 activity. Blocking EP3 also increased human β-cell proliferation. EP4 modulation had no effect on ex vivo proliferation alone. However, blockade of EP3 in combination with activation of EP4 enhanced human, but not mouse, β-cell proliferation. In both mouse and human islets, EP3 blockade or EP4 activation enhanced β-cell survival in the presence of cytokines. EP4 acts in a protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent manner to increase mouse β-cell survival. In addition, the positive effects of FoxM1 activation on β-cell survival are inhibited by EP3 and dependent on EP4 signaling., Conclusions: Our results identify EP3 and EP4 as novel regulators of β-cell proliferation and survival in mouse and human islets ex vivo .

Niacin is a well established drug used to lower cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease events. However, niacin also causes cutaneous flushing side effects due to release of the proresolution mediator prostaglandin D 2 (PGD 2 ). Recent randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that addition of niacin with laropiprant [a PGD 2 receptor subtype 1 (DP1) blocker] to statin-based therapies does not significantly decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease events, but increases the risk of serious adverse events. Here, we tested whether, and how, niacin beneficial effects on myocardial ischemia require the activation of the PGD 2 /DP1 axis. Myocardial infarction (MI) was reproduced by ligation of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery in mice. We found that niacin increased PGD 2 release in macrophages and shifted macrophages to M2 polarization both in vitro and in vivo by activation of DP1 and accelerated inflammation resolution in zymosan-induced peritonitis in mice. Moreover, niacin treatment facilitated wound healing and improved cardiac function after MI through DP1-mediated M2 bias and timely resolution of inflammation in infarcted hearts. In addition, we found that niacin intake also stimulated M2 polarization of peripheral monocytes in humans. Collectively, niacin promoted cardiac functional recovery after ischemic myocardial infarction through DP1-mediated M2 polarization and timely resolution of inflammation in hearts. These results indicated that DP1 inhibition may attenuate the cardiovascular benefits of niacin., (Copyright © 2017 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.)

Background:: Prostaglandin E 2 receptor subtype 3 (EP3), a Gi protein-coupled receptor activated by prostaglandin E 2 , plays a particular role in cardioprotection. This study aimed to investigate the impact of EP3 deletion on cardiac remodeling and further elucidate the related involvement of possible signaling pathways., Methods and Results:: The animals used were EP3 receptor knockout (EP3KO) mice and wild-type (WT) litter mate controls at 16-18 weeks old. The high-resolution echocardiography and weight index indicated that eccentric cardiac hypertrophy might occur in EP3KO mice, which were having worse cardiac function than WT litter mates. Isolated adult myocytes from EP3KO hearts showed spontaneous lengthening. Cardiac fibrosis was observed in EP3KO mice through Masson trichrome staining. The elevated messenger RNA (mRNA) level in matrix genes and the reduced mRNA, protein, and activity levels of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) indicated an increased synthesis and suppressed degradation of matrix collagen in EP3KO mice. The phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 protein was reduced in the cardiac tissue of EP3KO mice, accompanied by no significant change in the protein level of total ERK1/2, total p38, phospho-p38, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), phospho-GSK3β, and calcineurin (CaN) as well as CaN activity., Conclusion:: EP3 knockout in cardiac tissues could induce eccentric cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis at 16-18 weeks old. These effects of EP3 knockout might be regulated through inactivating MAPK/ERK pathway and affecting the MMP-2 expression. Overall, PGE 2 -EP3 is necessary to maintain the normal growth and development of the heart.

Among the four prostaglandin E2 receptors, EP3 receptor is the one most abundantly expressed in white adipose tissue (WAT). The mouse EP3 gene gives rise to three isoforms, namely EP3α, EP3β, and EP3γ, which differ only at their C-terminal tails. To date, functions of EP3 receptor and its isoforms in WAT remain incompletely characterized. In this study, we found that the expression of all EP3 isoforms were downregulated in WAT of both db/db and high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Genetic ablation of three EP3 receptor isoforms (EP3 -/- mice) or EP3α and EP3γ isoforms with EP3β intact (EP3β mice) led to an obese phenotype with increased food intake, decreased motor activity, reduced insulin sensitivity, and elevated serum triglycerides. Since the differentiation of preadipocytes and mouse embryonic fibroblasts to adipocytes was markedly facilitated by either pharmacological blockade or genetic deletion/inhibition of EP3 receptor via the cAMP/PKA/PPARγ pathway, increased adipogenesis may contribute to obesity in EP3 -/- and EP3β mice. Moreover, both EP3 -/- and EP3β mice had increased lipolysis in WAT mainly due to the activated cAMP/PKA/hormone-sensitive lipase pathway. Taken together, our findings suggest that EP3 receptor and its α and γ isoforms are involved in both adipogenesis and lipolysis and influence food intake, serum lipid levels, and insulin sensitivity., (© The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Journal of Molecular Cell Biology, IBCB, SIBS, CAS. All rights reserved.)

The kinetic participation of macrophages is critical for inflammatory resolution and recovery from myocardial infarction (MI), particularly with respect to the transition from the M1 to the M2 phenotype; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we found that the deletion of prostaglandin (PG) D2 receptor subtype 1 (DP1) in macrophages retarded M2 polarization, antiinflammatory cytokine production, and resolution in different inflammatory models, including the MI model. DP1 deletion up-regulated proinflammatory genes expression via JAK2/STAT1 signaling in macrophages, whereas its activation facilitated binding of the separated PKA regulatory IIα subunit (PRKAR2A) to the transmembrane domain of IFN-γ receptor, suppressed JAK2-STAT1 axis-mediated M1 polarization, and promoted resolution. PRKAR2A deficiency attenuated DP1 activation-mediated M2 polarization and resolution of inflammation. Collectively, PGD2-DP1 axis-induced M2 polarization facilitates resolution of inflammation through the PRKAR2A-mediated suppression of JAK2/STAT1 signaling. These observations indicate that macrophage DP1 activation represents a promising strategy in the management of inflammation-associated diseases, including post-MI healing., (© 2016 Kong et al.)

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a cyclooxygenase metabolite that generally acts as a systemic vasodepressor, has been shown to have vasopressor effects under certain physiologic conditions. Previous studies have demonstrated that PGE2 receptor signaling modulates angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertension, but the interaction of these two systems in the regulation of vascular reactivity is incompletely characterized. We hypothesized that Ang II, a principal effector of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, potentiates PGE2-mediated vasoconstriction. Here we demonstrate that pre-treatment of arterial rings with 1nM Ang II potentiated PGE2-evoked constriction in a concentration dependent manner (AUC-Ang II 2.778±2.091, AUC+Ang II 22.830±8.560, ***P<0.001). Using genetic deletion models and pharmacological antagonists, we demonstrate that this potentiation effect is mediated via concurrent signaling between the angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1) and the PGE2 E-prostanoid receptor 3 (EP3) in the mouse femoral artery. EP3 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction is shown to be dependent on extracellular calcium in combination with proline-rich tyrosine kinase 2 (Pyk2) and Rho-kinase. Thus, our findings reveal a novel mechanism through which Ang II and PGE2 regulate peripheral vascular reactivity., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is associated with cardiovascular complications induced by atherosclerosis. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is often raised in states of inflammation, including diabetes, and regulates inflammatory processes. In myeloid cells, a key cell type in atherosclerosis, PGE2 acts predominately through its Prostaglandin E Receptor 4 (EP4; Ptger4) to modulate inflammation. The effect of PGE2-mediated EP4 signaling specifically in myeloid cells on atherosclerosis in the presence and absence of diabetes is unknown. Because diabetes promotes atherosclerosis through increased arterial myeloid cell accumulation, we generated a myeloid cell-targeted EP4-deficient mouse model (EP4M-/-) of T1DM-accelerated atherogenesis to investigate the relationship between myeloid cell EP4, inflammatory phenotypes of myeloid cells, and atherogenesis. Diabetic mice exhibited elevated plasma PGE metabolite levels and elevated Ptger4 mRNA in macrophages, as compared with non-diabetic littermates. PGE2 increased Il6, Il1b, Il23 and Ccr7 mRNA while reducing Tnfa mRNA through EP4 in isolated myeloid cells. Consistently, the stimulatory effect of diabetes on peritoneal macrophage Il6 was mediated by PGE2-EP4, while PGE2-EP4 suppressed the effect of diabetes on Tnfa in these cells. In addition, diabetes exerted effects independent of myeloid cell EP4, including a reduction in macrophage Ccr7 levels and increased early atherogenesis characterized by relative lesional macrophage accumulation. These studies suggest that this mouse model of T1DM is associated with increased myeloid cell PGE2-EP4 signaling, which is required for the stimulatory effect of diabetes on IL-6, markedly blunts the effect of diabetes on TNF-α and does not modulate diabetes-accelerated atherogenesis.

Systemic inflammation, which results from the massive release of proinflammatory molecules into the circulatory system, is a major risk factor for severe illness, but the precise mechanisms underlying its control are not fully understood. We observed that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), through its receptor EP4, is down-regulated in human systemic inflammatory disease. Mice with reduced PGE2 synthesis develop systemic inflammation, associated with translocation of gut bacteria, which can be prevented by treatment with EP4 agonists. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that PGE2-EP4 signaling acts directly on type 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), promoting their homeostasis and driving them to produce interleukin-22 (IL-22). Disruption of the ILC-IL-22 axis impairs PGE2-mediated inhibition of systemic inflammation. Hence, the ILC-IL-22 axis is essential in protecting against gut barrier dysfunction, enabling PGE2-EP4 signaling to impede systemic inflammation., (Copyright © 2016, American Association for the Advancement of Science.)

Mice carrying a targeted disruption of the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) E-prostanoid receptor 3 (EP3) gene, Ptger3, were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), or a micronutrient matched control diet, to investigate the effects of disrupted PGE2-EP3 signaling on diabetes in a setting of diet-induced obesity. Although no differences in body weight were seen in mice fed the control diet, when fed a HFD, EP3(-/-) mice gained more weight relative to EP3(+/+) mice. Overall, EP3(-/-) mice had increased epididymal fat mass and adipocyte size; paradoxically, a relative decrease in both epididymal fat pad mass and adipocyte size was observed in the heaviest EP3(-/-) mice. The EP3(-/-) mice had increased macrophage infiltration, TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, IL-6 expression, and necrosis in their epididymal fat pads as compared with EP3(+/+) animals. Adipocytes isolated from EP3(+/+) or EP3(-/-) mice were assayed for the effect of PGE2-evoked inhibition of lipolysis. Adipocytes isolated from EP3(-/-) mice lacked PGE2-evoked inhibition of isoproterenol stimulated lipolysis compared with EP3(+/+). EP3(-/-) mice fed HFD had exaggerated ectopic lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle and liver, with evidence of hepatic steatosis. Both blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were similar between genotypes on a control diet, but when fed HFD, EP3(-/-) mice became hyperglycemic and hyperinsulinemic when compared with EP3(+/+) fed HFD, demonstrating a more severe insulin resistance phenotype in EP3(-/-). These results demonstrate that when fed a HFD, EP3(-/-) mice have abnormal lipid distribution, developing excessive ectopic lipid accumulation and associated insulin resistance.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is commonly associated with chronic hypoxemia in disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prostacyclin analogs are widely used in the management of PAH patients; however, clinical efficacy and long-term tolerability of some prostacyclin analogs may be compromised by concomitant activation of the E-prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor. Here, we found that EP3 expression is upregulated in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) and human distal pulmonary arteries (PAs) in response to hypoxia. Either pharmacological inhibition of EP3 or Ep3 deletion attenuated both hypoxia and monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension and restrained extracellular matrix accumulation in PAs in rodent models. In a murine PAH model, Ep3 deletion in SMCs, but not endothelial cells, retarded PA medial thickness. Knockdown of EP3α and EP3β, but not EP3γ, isoforms diminished hypoxia-induced TGF-β1 activation. Expression of either EP3α or EP3β in EP3-deficient PASMCs restored TGF-β1 activation in response to hypoxia. EP3α/β activation in PASMCs increased RhoA-dependent membrane type 1 extracellular matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) translocation to the cell surface, subsequently activating pro-MMP-2 and promoting TGF-β1 signaling. Activation or disruption of EP3 did not influence PASMC proliferation. Together, our results indicate that EP3 activation facilitates hypoxia-induced vascular remodeling and pulmonary hypertension in mice and suggest EP3 inhibition as a potential therapeutic strategy for pulmonary hypertension.

Rationale: Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation are the hallmarks of restenosis pathogenesis after angioplasty. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandin (PG) E₂ is implicated in the vascular remodeling response to injury. However, its precise molecular role remains unknown., Objective: This study investigates the impact of COX-2-derived PGE₂ on neointima formation after injury., Methods and Results: Vascular remodeling was induced by wire injury in femoral arteries of mice. Both neointima formation and the restenosis ratio were diminished in COX-2 knockout mice as compared with controls, whereas these parameters were enhanced in COX-1>COX-2 mice, in which COX-1 is governed by COX-2 regulatory elements. PG profile analysis revealed that the reduced PGE₂ by COX-2 deficiency, but not PGI2, could be rescued by COX-1 replacement, indicating COX-2-derived PGE₂ enhanced neointima formation. Through multiple approaches, the EP3 receptor was identified to mediate the VSMC migration response to various stimuli. Disruption of EP3 impaired VSMC polarity for directional migration by decreasing small GTPase activity and restricted vascular neointimal hyperplasia, whereas overexpression of EP3α and EP3β aggravated neointima formation. Inhibition or deletion of EP3α/β, a Gαi protein-coupled receptor, activated the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway and decreased activation of RhoA in VSMCs. PGE₂ could stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase3β signaling in VSMCs through Gβγ subunits on EP3α/β activation. Ablation of EP3 suppressed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and reduced GTPase activity in VSMCs and altered cell polarity and directional migration., Conclusions: COX-2-derived PGE₂ facilitated the neointimal hyperplasia response to injury through EP3α/β-mediated cAMP/protein kinase A and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, indicating EP3 inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

To maintain lifelong production of blood cells, haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are tightly regulated by inherent programs and extrinsic regulatory signals received from their microenvironmental niche. Long-term repopulating HSCs reside in several, perhaps overlapping, niches that produce regulatory molecules and signals necessary for homeostasis and for increased output after stress or injury. Despite considerable advances in the specific cellular or molecular mechanisms governing HSC-niche interactions, little is known about the regulatory function in the intact mammalian haematopoietic niche. Recently, we and others described a positive regulatory role for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on HSC function ex vivo. Here we show that inhibition of endogenous PGE2 by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment in mice results in modest HSC egress from the bone marrow. Surprisingly, this was independent of the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis implicated in stem-cell migration. Stem and progenitor cells were found to have differing mechanisms of egress, with HSC transit to the periphery dependent on niche attenuation and reduction in the retentive molecule osteopontin. Haematopoietic grafts mobilized with NSAIDs had superior repopulating ability and long-term engraftment. Treatment of non-human primates and healthy human volunteers confirmed NSAID-mediated egress in other species. PGE2 receptor knockout mice demonstrated that progenitor expansion and stem/progenitor egress resulted from reduced E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) receptor signalling. These results not only uncover unique regulatory roles for EP4 signalling in HSC retention in the niche, but also define a rapidly translatable strategy to enhance transplantation therapeutically.

Unlike the majority of G protein-coupled receptors, the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) E-prostanoid 3 (EP3) receptor binds agonist with high affinity that is insensitive to the presence of guanosine 5[prime]-O-(3-thio)triphosphate (GTPγS). We report the identification of mutations that confer GTPγS sensitivity to agonist binding. Seven point mutations were introduced into the conserved motif in the second extracellular loop (ECII) of EP3, resulting in acquisition of GTP-sensitive agonist binding. One receptor mutation W203A was studied in detail. Loss of agonist binding was observed on intact human embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing the W203A receptor, conditions where high GTP levels are present; however, high affinity binding [(3)H]PGE(2) was observed in broken cell preparations washed free of GTP. The [(3)H]PGE(2) binding of W203A in broken cell membrane fractions was inhibited by addition of GTPγS (IC(50) 21 ± 1.8 nM). Taken together, these results suggest that the wild-type EP3 receptor displays unusual characteristics of the complex coupled equilibria between agonist-receptor and receptor-G protein interaction. Moreover, mutation of ECII can alter this coupled equilibrium from GTP-insensitive agonist binding to more conventional GTP-sensitive binding. This suggests that for the mutant receptors, ECII plays a critical role in linking the agonist bound receptor conformation to the G protein nucleotide bound state.

Recent preclinical studies demonstrate a role for the prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) subtype 1 (EP1) receptor in mediating, at least in part, the pathophysiology of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A series of amide and N-acylsulfonamide analogs of a previously described picolinic acid-based human EP1 receptor antagonist (7) were prepared. Each analog had improved selectivity at the mouse EP1 receptor over the mouse thromboxane receptor (TP). A subset of analogs gained affinity for the mouse PGE(2) subtype 3 (EP3) receptor, another potential therapeutic target. One analog (17) possessed equal selectivity for EP1 and EP3, displayed a sufficient in vivo residence time in mice, and lacked the potential for acyl glucuronide formation common to compound 7. Treatment of mice with 17 significantly attenuated the vasopressor activity resulting from an acute infusion of EP1 and EP3 receptor agonists. Compound 17 represents a potentially novel therapeutic in the treatment of hypertension and diabetes mellitus., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The present studies aimed at elucidating the role of prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype 3 (E-prostanoid [EP] 3) in regulating blood pressure., Methods and Results: Mice bearing a genetic disruption of the EP3 gene (EP(3)(-/-)) exhibited reduced baseline mean arterial pressure monitored by both tail-cuff and carotid arterial catheterization. The pressor responses induced by EP3 agonists M&B28767 and sulprostone were markedly attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice, whereas the reduction of blood pressure induced by prostaglandin E(2) was comparable in both genotypes. Vasopressor effect of acute or chronic infusion of angiotensin II (Ang II) was attenuated in EP3(-/-) mice. Ang II-induced vasoconstriction in mesenteric arteries decreased in EP3(-/-) group. In mesenteric arteries from wild-type mice, Ang II-induced vasoconstriction was inhibited by EP3 selective antagonist DG-041 or L798106. The expression of Arhgef-1 is attenuated in EP3 deficient mesenteric arteries. EP3 antagonist DG-041 diminished Ang II-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain 20 and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 in isolated mesenteric arteries. Furthermore, in vascular smooth muscle cells, Ang II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) increase was potentiated by EP3 agonist sulprostone but inhibited by DG-041., Conclusions: Activation of the EP3 receptor raises baseline blood pressure and contributes to Ang II-dependent hypertension at least partially via enhancing Ca(2+) sensitivity and intracellular calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells. Selective targeting of the EP3 receptor may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.

Prostaglandin E(2) is a major prostanoid found in the kidney and vasculature contributing to the regulation of blood pressure. The prostaglandin E(2) receptor EP1 has been shown to contribute to hypertension by mediating angiotensin II-dependent vasoconstriction, although its precise role is incompletely characterized. Disruption of the EP1 receptor in C57BL/6J mice reduced the incidence of mortality during severe hypertension induced by uninephrectomy, deoxycorticosterone acetate, and angiotensin II. Mortality was dependent on all components of the model. Death was a result of aortic aneurysm rupture or occurred after development of anasarca, each of which was reduced in EP1-/- mice. Mean arterial pressure was increased in treated EP1+/+ and EP1-/- mice; however, this elevation was significantly lower in EP1-/- mice. Blood pressure reduction via administration of hydralazine phenocopied EP1-/- mice. Thus, reduction in blood pressure by disruption of EP1 reduced incidence of mortality and decreased organ damage, suggesting that EP1 receptor blockade may be a viable target for antihypertensive therapy.

A major therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease (PD) is providing increased glial-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to dopaminergic neurons. We tested the hypothesis that innate immune activation increases astrocyte GDNF production and that this is regulated by specific eicosanoid receptors. Innate immune-activated primary murine astrocytes were assayed for GDNF expression and secretion. Controls were agent vehicle exposure and wild-type mice. Rank order for up to 10-fold selectively increased GDNF expression was activators of TLR3 > TLR2 or TLR4 > TLR9. TLR3 activator-stimulated GDNF expression was selectively JNK-dependent, followed cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, was coincident with membranous PGE(2) synthase, and was not significantly altered by a nonspecific COX- or a COX-2-selective inhibitor. Specific eicosanoid receptors had opposing effects on TLR3 activator-induced GDNF expression: ∼60% enhancement by blocking or ablating of PGE(2) receptor subtype 1 (EP1), ∼30% enhancement by activating PGF(2α) receptor or thromboxane receptor, or ∼15% enhancement by activating EP4. These results demonstrate functionally antagonistic eicosanoid receptor subtype regulation of innate immunity-induced astrocyte GDNF expression and suggest that selective inhibition of EP1 signaling might be a means to augment astrocyte GDNF secretion in the context of innate immune activation in diseased regions of brain in PD.

Various kinds of stress are thought to precipitate psychiatric disorders, such as major depression. Whereas studies in rodents have suggested a critical role of medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in stress susceptibility, the mechanism of how stress susceptibility is determined through mPFC remains unknown. Here we show a critical role of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a bioactive lipid derived from arachidonic acid, in repeated social defeat stress in mice. Repeated social defeat increased the PGE(2) level in the subcortical region of the brain, and mice lacking either COX-1, a prostaglandin synthase, or EP1, a PGE receptor, were impaired in induction of social avoidance by repeated social defeat. Given the reported action of EP1 that augments GABAergic inputs to midbrain dopamine neurons, we analyzed dopaminergic response upon social defeat. Analyses of c-Fos expression of VTA dopamine neurons and dopamine turnover in mPFC showed that mesocortical dopaminergic pathway is activated upon social defeat and attenuated with repetition of social defeat in wild-type mice. EP1 deficiency abolished such repeated stress-induced attenuation of mesocortical dopaminergic pathway. Blockade of dopamine D1-like receptor during social defeat restored social avoidance in EP1-deficient mice, suggesting that disinhibited dopaminergic response during social defeat blocks induction of social avoidance. Furthermore, mPFC dopaminergic lesion by local injection of 6-hydroxydopamine, which mimicked the action of EP1 during repeated stress, facilitated induction of social avoidance upon social defeat. Taken together, our data suggest that PGE(2)-EP1 signaling is critical for susceptibility to repeated social defeat stress in mice through attenuation of mesocortical dopaminergic pathway.

Dendritic cell (DC) homeostasis, like all mature blood cells, is maintained via hierarchal generation from hematopoietic precursors; however, little is known about the regulatory mechanisms governing DC generation. Here, we show that prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is required for optimal Flt3 ligand-mediated DC development and regulates expression of the Flt3 receptor on DC-committed progenitor cells. Inhibition of PGE(2) biosynthesis reduces Flt3-mediated activation of STAT3 and expression of the antiapoptotic protein survivin, resulting in increased apoptosis of DC-committed progenitor cells. Reduced DC development caused by diminished PGE(2) signaling is reversed by overexpression of Flt3 or survivin in DC progenitors and conversely is mimicked by STAT3 inhibition. PGE(2) regulation of DC generation is specifically mediated through the EP1 and EP3 G protein PGE(2) receptors. These studies define a novel DC progenitor regulatory pathway in which PGE(2) signaling through EP1/EP3 receptors regulates Flt3 expression and downstream STAT3 activation and survivin expression, required for optimal DC progenitor survival and DC development in vivo.

Background: Prostaglandin I(2) (PGI(2)), a lipid mediator currently used in treatment of human disease, is a critical regulator of adaptive immune responses. Although PGI(2) signaling suppressed Th1 and Th2 immune responses, the role of PGI(2) in Th17 differentiation is not known., Methodology/principal Findings: In mouse CD4(+)CD62L(+) naïve T cell culture, the PGI(2) analogs iloprost and cicaprost increased IL-17A and IL-22 protein production and Th17 differentiation in vitro. This effect was augmented by IL-23 and was dependent on PGI(2) receptor IP signaling. In mouse bone marrow-derived CD11c(+) dendritic cells (BMDCs), PGI(2) analogs increased the ratio of IL-23/IL-12, which is correlated with increased ability of BMDCs to stimulate naïve T cells for IL-17A production. Moreover, IP knockout mice had delayed onset of a Th17-associated neurological disease, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), and reduced infiltration of IL-17A-expressing mononuclear cells in the spinal cords compared to wild type mice. These results suggest that PGI(2) promotes in vivo Th17 responses., Conclusion: The preferential stimulation of Th17 differentiation by IP signaling may have important clinical implications as PGI(2) and its analogs are commonly used to treat human pulmonary hypertension.

Hypertension is a well established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases such as stroke and is the leading cause of chronic kidney failure. Although a number of pharmacologic agents are available for the treatment of hypertension including agents that affect the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), unmet needs in the treatment of hypertension suggest that identification of novel pharmacological targets would be an important healthcare goal. One potential target is prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), a potent lipid mediator with a diverse and sometimes opposing range of biological effects. PGE(2) signals through four subtypes of G-protein coupled receptors designated EP1 through EP4. PGE(2) functions primarily as a vasodepressor; under certain conditions PGE(2) administration mediates vasopressor activity. This review focuses on the current understanding of the roles of PGE(2) receptors in vascular reactivity, hypertension and end-organ damage., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) controls numerous physiological functions through a family of cognate G protein-coupled receptors (EP1-EP4). Targeting specific EP receptors might be therapeutically useful and reduce side effects associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors that block prostanoid synthesis. Systemic immune challenge and inflammatory cytokines have been shown to increase expression of the synthetic enzymes for PGE(2) in the adrenal gland. Catecholamines and other hormones, released from adrenal chromaffin cells in response to Ca(2+) influx through voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, play central roles in homeostatic function and the coordinated stress response. However, long-term elevation of circulating catecholamines contributes to the pathogenesis of hypertension and heart failure. Here, we investigated the EP receptor(s) and cellular mechanisms by which PGE(2) might modulate chromaffin cell function. PGE(2) did not alter resting intracellular [Ca(2+)] or the peak amplitude of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents, but it did inhibit Ca(V)2 voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel currents (I(Ca)). This inhibition was voltage-dependent and mediated by pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, consistent with a direct Gβγ subunit-mediated mechanism common to other G(i/o)-coupled receptors. mRNA for all four EP receptors was detected, but using selective pharmacological tools and EP receptor knockout mice, we demonstrated that EP3 receptors mediate the inhibition of I(Ca). Finally, changes in membrane capacitance showed that Ca(2+)-dependent exocytosis was reduced in parallel with I(Ca). To our knowledge, this is the first study of EP receptor signaling in mouse chromaffin cells and identifies a molecular mechanism for paracrine regulation of neuroendocrine function by PGE(2).

Activation of innate immunity via toll-like receptors (TLRs) is associated with neurodegenerative diseases, and some effectors, like tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), directly contribute to neurodegeneration. We tested the hypothesis that prostaglandin (PG) E(2) receptor subtype 1 (EP1) was necessary for the induction of microglial cytokines following the activation of innate immunity. Primary murine microglia had cytokine secretion by activators of TLR3 > TLR9 > TLR4 > TLR2. TLR3 activation induced early expression of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) and delayed expression of membranous PGE synthase and secretion of PGE(2) . Nonselective and COX2-selective inhibitors blocked TLR3 induction of TNFα and IL-6. Moreover, of the nine of twenty cytokines and chemokines induced by TLR3 activation, only TNFα and IL-6 were significantly dependent on EP1 signaling as determined using microglia from mice homozygous deficient for EP1 gene or wild-type microglia coincubated with an EP1 antagonist. These results were confirmed by blocking intracellular Ca(2+) release with 2-aminoethoxy-diphenyl borate or Xestospongin C, inhibitors of IP3 receptors. Our results show that suppression of microglial EP1 signaling achieves much of the desired effect of COX inhibitors by selectively blocking TLR3-induced microglial secretion of two major effectors of paracrine neuron damage. In combination with the ability of EP1 suppression to ameliorate excitotoxicity, these data point to blockade of EP1 as an attractive candidate therapeutic for neurodegenerative diseases., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

To determine the contribution of cysteines to the function of the mouse E-prostanoid subtype 3 gamma (mEP3γ), we tested a series of cysteine-to-alanine mutants. Two of these mutants, C107A and C184A, showed no agonist-dependent activation in a cell-based reporter assay for mEP3γ, whereas none of the other cysteine-to-alanine mutations disrupted mEP3γ signal transduction. Total cell membranes prepared from HEK293 cells transfected with mEP3γ C107A or C184A had no detectable radioligand binding. Other mutant mEP3γ receptors had radioligand affinities and receptor densities similar to wild-type. Cell-surface ELISA against the N-terminal HA-tag of C107A and C184A demonstrated 40% and 47% reductions respectively in receptor protein expression at the cell surface, and no radioligand binding was detected as assessed by intact cell radioligand binding experiments. These data suggest a key role for C107 and C184 in both receptor structure/stability and function and is consistent with the presence of a conserved disulfide bond between C107 and C184 in mouse EP3 that is required for normal receptor expression and function. Our results also indicate that if a second disulfide bond is present in the native receptor it is non-essential for receptor assembly or function., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cholesterol and its hemisuccinate and sulfate derivatives are widely used in studies of purified membrane proteins but are difficult to solubilize in aqueous solution, even in the presence of detergent micelles. Other cholesterol derivatives do not form conventional micelles and lead to viscous solutions. To address these problems, a cholesterol-based detergent, CHOBIMALT, has been synthesized and characterized. At concentrations above 3−4 μM, CHOBIMALT forms micelles without the need for elevated temperatures or sonic disruption. Diffusion and fluorescence measurements indicated that CHOBIMALT micelles are large (210±30 kDa). The ability to solubilize a functional membrane protein was explored using a G-protein coupled receptor, the human kappa opioid receptor type 1 (hKOR1). While CHOBIMALT alone was not found to be effective as a surfactant for membrane extraction, when added to classical detergent micelles CHOBIMALT was observed to dramatically enhance the thermal stability of solubilized hKOR1.

Introduction: Platelet hyperreactivity associates with cardiovascular events in humans. Studies in mice and humans suggest that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) regulates platelet activation. In mice, activation of the PGE2 receptor subtype 3 (EP3) promotes thrombosis, but the significance of EP3 in humans is less well understood., Objectives: To characterize the regulation of thromboxane-dependent human platelet activation by PGE2., Patients/methods: Platelets collected from nineteen healthy adults were studied using an agonist of the thromboxane receptor (U46,619), PGE2, and selective agonists and/or antagonists of the EP receptor subtypes. Platelet activation was assayed by (1) optical aggregometry, (2) measurement of dense granule release, and (3) single-platelet counting., Results: Healthy volunteers demonstrated significant interindividual variation in platelet response to PGE2. PGE2 completely inhibited U46,619-induced platelet aggregation and ATP release in 26% of subjects; the remaining 74% had partial or no response to PGE2. Antagonism of EP4 abolished the inhibitory effect of PGE2. In all volunteers, a selective EP2 agonist inhibited U46,619-induced aggregation. Furthermore, the selective EP3 antagonist DG-041 converted all PGE2 nonresponders to full responders., Conclusions: There is significant interindividual variation of platelet response to PGE2 in humans. The balance between EP2, EP3, and EP4 activation determines its net effect. PGE2 can prevent thromboxane-induced platelet aggregation in an EP4-dependent manner. EP3 antagonism converts platelets of nonresponders to a PGE2-responsive phenotype. These data suggest that therapeutic targeting of EP pathways may have cardiovascular benefit by decreasing platelet reactivity., (Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A complex therapeutic challenge for Alzheimer's disease (AD) is minimizing deleterious aspects of microglial activation while maximizing beneficial actions, including phagocytosis/clearance of amyloid beta (Abeta) peptides. One potential target is selective suppression of microglial prostaglandin E(2) receptor subtype 2 (EP2) function, which influences microglial phagocytosis and elaboration of neurotoxic cytokines. To test this hypothesis, we transplanted bone marrow cells derived from wild-type mice or mice homozygous deficient for EP2 (EP2(-/-)) into lethally irradiated 5-month-old wild-type or APPswe-PS1DeltaE9 double transgenic AD mouse model recipients. We found that cerebral engraftment by bone marrow transplant (BMT)-derived wild-type or EP2(-/-) microglia was more efficient in APPswe-PS1DeltaE9 than in wild-type mice, and APPswe-PS1DeltaE9 mice that received EP2(-/-) BMT had increased cortical microglia compared with APPswe-PS1DeltaE9 mice that received wild-type BMT. We found that myeloablative irradiation followed by bone marrow transplant-derived microglia engraftment, rather than cranial irradiation or BMT alone, was responsible for the approximate one-third reduction in both Abeta plaques and potentially more neurotoxic soluble Abeta species. An additional 25% reduction in cerebral cortical Abeta burden was achieved in mice that received EP2(-/-) BMT compared with mice that received wild-type BMT. Our results provide a foundation for an adult stem cell-based therapy to suppress soluble Abeta peptide and plaque accumulation in the cerebrum of patients with AD.

Prostaglandin E2 is one of several eicosanoid products of the cyclooxygenase isozymes and is a key regulator of innate immune responses; it also possesses paracrine effects on mature neurons. The prostaglandin E2 receptor family consists of four subtypes of which EP1 and EP2 are known to be expressed by microglia. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced innate immune activation leads to the degeneration of intermediate progenitor cells (IPCs) that are destined for neuronal maturation in the hippocampal subgranular zone (SGZ); these cells can be identified by the expression of the transcription factor T-box brain gene 2 (Tbr2). Importantly, depletion of LPS-induced IPCs from the SGZ is suppressed by cyclooxygenase inhibitors. We therefore tested the hypothesis that either EP1 or EP2 is critical to LPS-induced depletion of Tbr2+ IPCs from the SGZ. Expression of either EP1 or EP2 was necessary for Toll-like receptor 4-dependent innate immune-mediated depletion of these Tbr2+ IPCs in mice. Moreover, EP1 activation was directly toxic to murine adult hippocampal progenitor cells; EP2 was not expressed by these cells. Finally, EP1 modulated the response of murine primary microglia cultures to LPS but in a manner distinct from EP2. These results indicate that prostaglandin E2 signaling via either EP1 or EP2 is largely to completely necessary for Toll-like receptor 4-dependent depletion of IPCs from the SGZ and suggest further pharmacological strategies to protect this important neurogenic niche.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is a neuronal immediate early gene that is regulated by N-methyl d aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity. COX-2 enzymatic activity catalyzes the first committed step in prostaglandin synthesis. Recent studies demonstrate an emerging role for the downstream PGE(2) EP2 receptor in diverse models of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and a significant function in models of neurological disease including cerebral ischemia, Familial Alzheimer's disease, and Familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Little is known, however, about the normal function of the EP2 receptor in behavior and cognition. Here we report that deletion of the EP2 receptor leads to significant cognitive deficits in standard tests of fear and social memory. EP2-/- mice also demonstrated impaired prepulse inhibition (PPI) and heightened anxiety, but normal startle reactivity, exploratory behavior, and spatial reference memory. This complex behavioral phenotype of EP2-/- mice was associated with a deficit in long-term depression (LTD) in hippocampus. Our findings suggest that PGE(2) signaling via the EP2 receptors plays an important role in cognitive and emotional behaviors that recapitulate some aspects of human psychopathology related to schizophrenia.